Stamp Of Approval

The Senate Intelligence Committee today approved the nomination of Lt. Gen. James Clapper to become the next director of national intelligence by a 15-0 vote. His nomination will subsequently be taken up for consideration by the full Senate.

In a statement, committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said she "initially had reservations" about Clapper, "but those have been overcome by his experience and leadership ability. He has described for me and the Senate Intelligence Committee how he will be a strong DNI, independent of the influence of the Department of Defense, and he has promised to work in concert with the CIA and all the agencies of the Intelligence Community."

Feinstein said Clapper would "bring stability to an office that has had three leaders in just five years, and he will put the Office of the Director of National Intelligence on solid footing for the future. He has the support of President Obama, Secretary Gates and Director Panetta, and today he has my strong support."

Committee Vice Chairman Kit Bond (R-MO) had his own statement:

General Clapper has served our nation honorably for 46 years and I admire him, he has assured me that he does not intend to be a hood ornament but judging from recent history my yea vote is really a triumph of hope over experience.